The warm golden light of the afternoon sun filtered through the lush green leaves above, casting a gentle glow on the quiet courtyard. Birds chirped softly, the wind carried the faint scent of blooming jasmine, and everything felt peaceful — except for one little heart that was heavy with sadness.
Lala, the baby monkey, sat quietly on the low stone wall outside Thuy’s house. Her tiny arms wrapped around Thuy’s leg as if she never wanted to let go. Her big round eyes shimmered with emotion, and every so often, she gave a soft sniffle, her tiny chest rising and falling with silent sobs.
Thuy, a kind-hearted young woman who had cared for Lala over the past few weeks, gently stroked her soft fur. “Sweetheart,” she said in a soft, soothing voice, “you have to be strong, okay? CEO Kien is coming to take you home.”
But Lala didn’t want to hear it. She tightened her grip on Thuy’s leg and looked up at her with eyes full of confusion and longing. How could she leave the person who gave her warm milk every morning, carried her on her back during walks, and told her bedtime stories in the evenings?
It all started when Lala had been brought to Thuy’s home by a rescue team after being separated from her monkey family during a storm. She was scared, weak, and trembling with fear. But Thuy had taken one look at her and welcomed her with open arms, feeding her, bathing her, and giving her a soft little blanket to curl up in.
Each day, their bond grew deeper. Thuy taught Lala how to use a spoon, how to gently hold a toy, and how to communicate with little gestures. Lala, in return, showered Thuy with affection — hugging her, mimicking her facial expressions, and following her around like a shadow.
But now, the day had come.
CEO Kien, the respected businessman who had originally adopted Lala, had been away on a business trip abroad. He trusted Thuy to take care of Lala in his absence. But now that he was back, he wanted to reunite with the little one he loved like his own daughter.
A sleek black car rolled to a stop near the gate. The driver stepped out and opened the door. CEO Kien emerged, his eyes scanning the yard until they landed on the pair.
“Lala!” he called warmly, his voice full of love and excitement.
Lala looked over but didn’t move. Her tiny hands still clung to Thuy. CEO Kien’s face softened. He could see the hesitation, the sadness. He knew Lala had grown deeply attached to Thuy — and he didn’t blame her. Thuy had done a wonderful job.
Thuy gently knelt beside Lala. “Honey,” she whispered, “it’s time to go home now. CEO Kien missed you so much. He will take good care of you, I promise.”
Still, Lala whimpered. Her tail flicked nervously. She didn’t understand why love had to be split between people. She wanted both Thuy and CEO Kien.
Seeing the struggle, Kien walked slowly toward them. He crouched down, his face level with Lala’s. “My dear Lala,” he said gently, “I’m so sorry I left for so long. You must have missed me. But I missed you too. Every day.”
He extended his arms, but didn’t force her. Lala looked from him to Thuy, then back again. Her lips trembled. She slowly let go of Thuy’s leg and reached up with one hand — but then quickly turned and hugged Thuy again.
Tears welled up in Thuy’s eyes. “I’ll miss you so much,” she said softly. “You’re the bravest little monkey I’ve ever known.”
Finally, after several minutes, Lala allowed herself to be lifted gently into CEO Kien’s arms. She curled into his chest, still casting backward glances at Thuy. CEO Kien stood up and nodded respectfully at Thuy.
“Thank you,” he said sincerely. “You gave her a home full of love. I won’t forget that.”
Thuy smiled through her tears and waved gently. “Take care of her,” she said. “She’s a very special girl.”
As the car pulled away, Lala pressed her face to the window. She placed her tiny hand on the glass, watching Thuy get smaller and smaller in the distance. The moment was heartbreaking and tender — full of love, loss, and new beginnings.
Back at Kien’s home, Lala was welcomed with balloons, fruit treats, and her favorite stuffed toy waiting on the bed. Everything was familiar, comforting, and warm. Yet, something was missing.
She sat on the windowsill, quietly watching the stars rise, clutching the little scarf that Thuy had wrapped around her neck before she left. She missed her warm voice, her laughter, the bedtime cuddles.
CEO Kien sat beside her, gently stroking her head. “I know you miss her,” he said. “Maybe we can visit her sometime. Would you like that?”
Lala looked up at him, her eyes a bit brighter. She nodded slowly. That gave her hope.
The days went on, and Lala slowly adjusted. CEO Kien made sure she had everything she needed — nutritious food, playful activities, and most importantly, love. Every evening, they would sit together on the porch, and Kien would show her pictures of Thuy, telling her stories about their time apart.
One day, a surprise came. A package arrived — inside was a photo frame with a picture of Thuy and Lala hugging, and a small video message.
“Hi Lala!” Thuy’s voice rang out sweetly. “I miss you so much. I hope you’re being a good girl. I’ll always be here for you, okay? Sending you a big hug!”
Lala clapped her hands in joy, her face lighting up for the first time in days. CEO Kien smiled, knowing this was the beginning of healing.
Some goodbyes are sad. But some are not forever. Lala may have left Thuy’s home, but the love between them remained — strong, pure, and unforgettable.
And as Lala drifted off to sleep that night, cuddled in her warm bed with the scarf around her neck and a gentle smile on her face, she knew deep in her heart — love can live in more than one place. And someday, she would see Thuy again.
